Skyrocketing bills lead to lawsuit against Independence and its utility

Kansas City attorney Christopher Accurso has filed a class action lawsuit against Independence Power and Light and the City of Independence over a change in billing practices that has led to a flood of angry complaints by ratepayers.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of approximately 56,000 IPL customers. Accurso said the city and its utility failed to address concerns after the new billing system went into effect in May. Customers are still receiving bills that are "disproportionally high," Accurso said.

About a third of IPL's customers are behind on their bills, a city official said.

Customers have complained about skyrocketing bills, and unexplained increases in kilowatt usage.

Accurso said if the lawsuit is successful it would lead to damages in the tens of millions of dollars.